FORMER Gladstone tiler Rebecca Stark is now paving the way for inspiring young students.

The Gladstone mum did a tiling apprenticeship when she left school, but the birth of her daughter prompted her to enrol in CQUniversity's STEPS program.

She is now studying a Bachelor of Education.

"When I went to school, I felt like it didn't matter what I achieved," she said.

"I want to be able to encourage kids to find something they really love, and know they can do well at it.

"I loved tiling, but it's long hours and I knew I wanted something more. TiThis degree gave me a chance to build on the skills I already had."

Ms Stark received academic credit for her trade experience.

This means she will be through her double degree and into her dream career sooner.

CQUniversity first developed its tradie-to-teacher pathway in 2000, partnering with CQ TAFE to deliver the Bachelor of Professional and Vocational Education.

Since then, the pathways expanded into the secondary schools, providing industrial technology and design and hospitality teachers across regional Queensland.

The 15-year vocational partnership previews the CQUniversity and CQ TAFE merger on July 1, which will deliver even more pathways for the region's students to secure the comprehensive skills required for their chosen career.

The Federal Government has invested almost $74 million in the dual-sector university project, along with support from the State Government.